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περιστερά

peristerá

G4058 noun

SILEX Entry

Root περιστερ- pigeon, dove (the bird)

Definition

A pigeon, specifically a dove; a small, gentle bird of the Columbidae family. In its primary sense, refers to the bird itself, commonly found across the eastern Mediterranean and Near Eastern regions. Contextually, used for pigeons and doves as animals, often in sacrificial, ritual, or symbolic contexts in Hellenistic and Judean culture.

Semantic Range

pigeon, dove, sacrificial bird, symbol of innocence or purity, representation of divine presence

Root / Etymology

Etymology uncertain. The term περιστερά does not have a securely established Greek root and is possibly a loanword from a non-Greek Eastern Mediterranean language, though its precise origin remains debated.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The word περιστερά appears in both classical and later Greek literature, typically referring to what modern ornithology distinguishes as pigeons and doves, with no clear differentiation between the two in ancient sources. In the Septuagint and New Testament, περιστερά is used primarily for sacrificial birds (e.g., offerings by those who could not afford larger animals), as specified in the Law of Moses (Leviticus, Luke 2:24). The bird also held symbolic value, often associated with innocence, purity, and, at times, divine presence (as in the Gospel accounts of the Spirit descending as a dove at Jesus' baptism). English translations often render περιστερά as 'dove' or 'pigeon'; both are valid, though 'dove' is more conventional due to its positive connotations in Western tradition. The ancient Greek language made little or no distinction between 'pigeon' and 'dove' as in later English usage. While περιστερά frequently carried symbolic meaning, especially in Jewish and early Christian texts, its basic reference remains strictly zoological.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; a pigeon:--dove, pigeon.

Root Family

περιστερά (peristera) — pigeon, dove (the bird)

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G4058-02 περιστερὰν peristeran N ACC F SG a dove a dove 4
G4058-03 περιστεράς peristeras N ACC F PL doves doves 4
G4058-01 περιστεραί peristerai N NOM F PL doves 1
G4058-04 περιστερῶν peristeron N GEN F PL pigeons of doves 1

Occurrences in Scripture

10 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G4058-02 Matthew 3:16 περιστερὰν peristeran N ACC F SG a dove
G4058-01 Matthew 10:16 περιστεραί peristerai N NOM F PL doves
G4058-03 Matthew 21:12 περιστεράς peristeras N ACC F PL doves
G4058-02 Mark 1:10 περιστερὰν peristeran N ACC F SG a dove a dove
G4058-03 Mark 11:15 περιστερὰς peristeras N ACC F PL doves doves
G4058-04 Luke 2:24 περιστερῶν peristeron N GEN F PL pigeons of doves
G4058-02 Luke 3:22 περιστερὰν peristeran N ACC F SG a dove a dove
G4058-02 John 1:32 περιστερὰν peristeran N ACC F SG a dove a dove
G4058-03 John 2:14 περιστερὰς peristeras N ACC F PL doves doves
G4058-03 John 2:16 περιστερὰς peristeras N ACC F PL doves doves
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